The Hunting Year 



Quorn at Kirby Gate, so should every other 

 pack have its special fixture for its opening 

 day. 



The first day of the season, of course, is only 

 a part, and not a very large part, of the hunting 

 in November. But for all that it does fill a 

 very large place in the minds of the country- 

 side for some days before it takes place and 

 for some days afterwards. In country houses 

 in the neighbourhood where guests are staying 

 there is much planning about the packing of 

 enthusiastic sportsmen — and sportswomen — in 

 carriages. " We must see the first meet of the 

 season," says the hostess, who probably, for the 

 rest of it, never gives a thought to hounds, 

 though like the good soul that she is, she is 

 always ready to extend her hospitality to those 

 who follow them. 



Of people such as she is are the carriage 



people generally composed, for every one who 



can muster a horse and a saddle rides as a 



matter of course on our opening day. The 



publican from the neighbouring town naturally 



turns out in a very sporting vehicle, with a fast- 



72 



